Environmental App for Climate-Friendly Living

When it comes to making our everyday lives more climate friendly, people tend to lack the necessary incentives. However, many small actions taken by each and every one of us are indispensable for achieving the climate goals we have set ourselves. Together with the HTL (technical secondary school) and town administration of Waidhofen/Ybbs and with TU Wien, the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences has developed an app named “ERIKA” that assists the citizens of Waidhofen in climate-conscious living.

The European Union has drawn up a climate protection law in reaction to the negative consequences of climate change. Meeting the targets of the EU and the envisaged climate goals will require the active participation of citizens in addition to global measures.

Setting Positive Incentives

Many people feel powerless and believe that there is nothing they can do as individuals. What is more, climate-friendly living is clearly easier in urban centres than in rural regions.

“With this app, we want to help people overcome everyday challenges and integrate climate-friendly behaviours into their daily routines. The idea is for the app to motivate and reward users through little actions, for example by offering regional incentives in the form of vouchers”, explains project manager Gernot Rottermanner from the Institute of Creative\Media/Technologies at the St. Pölten UAS.

Gamification and Digital Technologies

The app uses playful elements and challenges to make climate-friendly behaviours attractive to users. In terms of rewards, they can collect points which they can then redeem, for example, at local shops.

“Digital technologies offer effective leverage for promoting climate-friendly action. Our mobile application ERIKA is designed as a service that provides information, motivation, and context-related rewards”, says Rottermanner.

Companion for Environmentally Friendly Behaviour

“It is about thinking globally, but (also) acting locally. Each and every one of us can contribute to environmental protection and sustainable living on a daily basis. Every act on behalf of climate protection, no matter how small, is meaningful and important. Projects such as ERIKA use modern technologies and creative approaches to inspire people to be more environmentally friendly. I am very happy that our town plays a leading role in developing a tool for sustainable everyday living together with educational institutions – this emphasises our commitment to a greener future. ERIKA combines playful elements with serious objectives and supports every individual by suggesting concrete measures. Big or small, no matter, we can all take responsibility for our environment together”, says Gudrun Schindler-Rainbauer, town councillor of Waidhofen for environmental matters.

“Environmentally friendly behaviour is a necessity – for all of us. This is where ERIKA comes in: The app combines diverse incentives for making one’s own behaviour more conscious and resource-saving, thus contributing to a liveable future. The playful approach in particular is designed to motivate people of all age groups to strike new paths with joy and curiosity. At the same time, ERIKA creates transparency by pointing out which measures are already being implemented in our town – and everyone can contribute their ideas. Every building block for more climate-conscious action is important, and everyone can be part of the transition – the ERIKA app is a good companion in this context”, adds Martin Dowalil, town councillor of Waidhofen for civil engineering, regional planning, town planning, and green space planning.

Support for the Regional Economy

The app will be integrated into the existing Waidhofen app and make existing activities for climate protection more visible. For example, the app provides information on regional products during harvest season.

By showing which regional providers are offering these products at the time, the app also supports the economy of the region. Moreover, regional craftspeople and producers are involved in the app’s design.

Next Steps: Pilot Study and Assistance for Other Regions

The next step will be a pilot phase in Waidhofen/Ybbs lasting one to two months where citizens can test the app and provide feedback.

Moreover, the project team are drawing up a white paper that shows how ERIKA could be used in other regions.

Project ERIKA

The St. Pölten UAS develops ERIKA together with TU Wien and with the HTL and the town administration of Waidhofen. The project receives funding from the Lower Austrian Chamber of Labour.

• Project website